Medical Student/Resident Financial Assistance Program (MSRFAP)

July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009
NOTE:  Deadline for application is August 15, 2008

Manitoba’s medical graduates are the foundation of the future of healthcare in this province. Recognizing the important contribution of locally trained physicians in providing high-quality health services that meet the needs of Manitobans, the Government of Manitoba established the Medical Student/Resident Financial Assistance Program (MSRFAP) for eligible medical undergraduates and medical residents in May 2001.

The MSRFAP provides financial assistance in the form of a conditional grant, to students studying medicine in the Province of Manitoba, or to physicians establishing a practice in the Province upon graduation.

There are two components to the MRSFAP:

• The Educational Assistance Option, which assists medical undergraduates and medical residents during their medical training; and
• The Practice Assistance Option - Enhanced, which assists physicians who have established a Family Medicine practice in Manitoba.
  

2008/09 Program Brochure

2008/09 Application for the Educational Assistance Option

2008/09 Practice Assistance Option - Enhanced:
Additional information and applications are available by contacting Manitoba Health at
(204) 786-7179.

 

Educational Assistance Option - Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get an application form?

Applications are available as a PDF on this page or can be picked up, Monday to Friday, at the following locations:

• University of Manitoba, S270-727 McDermot Avenue from 8:30 to 4:30;
• Manitoba Student Aid, 401-1181 Portage Avenue from 8:30 to 4:30;
• Kildonan Medical Centre, Room 2PC11, 2300 McPhillips from 9 to 5;
• St. Boniface Family Medical Residency Unit, Room 701, 400 Tache (across the street from St. Boniface Hospital, call 237-2893 before going), office hours are 8 to 4;
• Parkland Family Medicine Unit, 625 3rd St. W., Dauphin, MB from 8:30 to 4:30.

Complete the application form in ink, and forward to:

Manitoba Student Aid, MSRFAP
401-1181 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3G 0T3

When will the applications be available?

The applications will be available April 18, 2008.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is midnight on August 15, 2008.

Who can I call if I have questions or wish to arrange a meeting?

Call MSRFAP administration staff at 204-945-8509 between 8:00 and 4:00 Monday to Friday.

Can I drop off my application and required documents?

Yes, a drop box is accessible, 24 hours, at the east side (Wall St) entrance of 1181 Portage Ave.

Can I fax my application?

Yes, applications may be faxed to (204) 948-2676, but will not be processed until the original, signed application and required documents are received.

What documents are required with my application?

• Proof of your Canadian citizenship or Landed Immigrant status is required if you were not born in Canada.
• If you are applying as a 3rd year undergraduate, a letter expressing your desire and commitment to return service in a rural community in Manitoba and letters of support from a rural community (preferably the medical community).
• A copy of your U of M medical degree and proof of your enrollment if you are attending a residency program at a university outside of Manitoba.

NOTE: If all supporting documentation is not received with the application, the application will not be processed until all documents are received.

What is considered my final year?

Final year is either the last year of a RCPSC approved specialty or subspecialty training program. Example - A resident in their final year of Internal Medicine may also be in their first year of Cardiology. This resident may apply as final year Internal Medicine or wait until their final year of Cardiology.

When and how will I receive the financial assistance?

If the application is approved, an agreement package will be sent for completion. Upon receipt of all signed documents and confirmation of enrollment*, MB Student Aid will automatically transfer the funds to the applicant’s Canadian bank account as indicated on the Application Form. Processing time is approximately 6 weeks.

*MSRFAP staff will confirm enrollment for students/residents studying medicine at the University of Manitoba. Applicants enrolled at other training institutions must provide confirmation.

NOTE: If all supporting documentation is not received with the application, the application will not be processed until all documents are received.

Is MSRFAP financial assistance considered an asset or income when applying for MB Student Aid?

No.

What are my requirements after receiving this financial assistance?

• To inform MSRFAP of any changes to personal address, phone number, pager number, work number, and e-mail.  
• To provide proof of name change.
• To inform MSRFAP of any changes to training program including leave of absence.
• To provide annual confirmation of enrolment if training at a university outside of Manitoba.
• To commence the Return of Service (ROS) commitment within 90 days of program completion as per the agreement. This is full-time practice (minimum 35 hours a week) for 12 consecutive months in Manitoba. 3rd year undergraduate applicants must repay Return of Service in a rural area (excluding Winnipeg or Brandon).
• To provide confirmation of employment annually until all conditional grants are forgiven.
• To repay the full amount of the financial assistance received, plus interest accrued from the date the financial assistance was first provided if ROS commitment is not fulfilled.

The administrators of MSRFAP are dedicated to providing service excellence.

Questions and comments are appreciated. Please call 204-945-8509.